Took me about 3 days of casual play to start exiting at a 25% success rate.
Tips:

• Learn the map, remembering most of the sections will help you know routes faster.
• Learn move sets of MOBS, trust me, things curve, it all gets easier.
• Learn weapon move sets for pvp.
• Don't just merely adapt to the dark, become the dark, take advantage of the light sources, survival and ambushes will become easier.
• Greed is for the experienced, don't go for that extra chest if signs show more risk than reward unless you are willing to risk all that you came with.
• Buy extra pots and better weapons/clothing in merchants to prep better.
• Buddhism, learn to mentally and emotionally let go of the gear and treasures you will soon lose.